In 1972, Donald “Ziggy” Ziegenfus contemplated a decision many were pondering in 1972: Join the military, or wait to be drafted? At that time, Zig-gy had a brother-in-law in the US Navy and was not drawn towards the Army. On a Spring afternoon, his mother drove him to a recruiting office and signed the paperwork herself, allowing him to enlist in the US Navy at the young age of 17. “I was ready. On June 6th I graduated high school, and by June 27th, I was at boot camp in Great Lakes, IL.”
Early in his career, Ziggy spent time stateside in Little Creek, VA onboard the USS Atakapa (ATF-149) and at a Naval Sub Base in New London, CT. During his time at New London, he was ready for a career in the Navy. “While in New London, I reenlisted for Navy Yeoman school, and new at that I point I would serve for 20 years.” After a short stint at Patuxent River, MD, Ziggy received orders to serve at what would turn out to be his favorite tour of his career: Navy Controller Shipping Office -Bahrain. Bah-rain is a small island off the coast of Saudi Arabia, and Ziggy served at this Middle East location from 75’ -79’. Bahrain is very different from what many think of the Middle East, it is a very westernized country with no fanatical influence.
I lived off base the entire time while stationed there. Ziggy also enjoyed the fact that there were only approximately 40 personnel serving on his base at the time, and thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Commanding Middle East Force. As much as Ziggy enjoyed Bahrain, he had many more rewarding tours of service ahead of him. In 1980, he was stationed in London, England at the Fleet Ocean Surveillance Intelligence Center. “It was a different experience, I never wore a uniform. I wore a suit and tie every day.” After London, Ziggy would spend 5 years in Washington, DC performing in many different roles. Amongst them was working for the Chief of Naval Operations as an Assistant Flag Writer as well as working for the Defense Intelligence Agency.
East and was serving in Saudi Arabia as part of the US Navy Detachment -US Military Training Mission. It was here that he assisted in training the Saudi Arabian Military on minesweepers and patrol boats. While serving in Saudi Arabia, Ziggy would achieve what many enlisted Sailors spend their careers working towards the promotion to Chief Petty Officer. US Navy Chief Petty Officers are the absolute backbone of the US Navy. Ask any Junior Officer in the Navy who they depend on the most. “The most important person that determines the success of the mission and the growth of our Sailors is the Chief Petty Officer”. After being promoted to Chief in 1990, Ziggy would eventually retire from the US Navy in 1992.
In 1988, Ziggy’s career was winding down, but one of his proudest moments was still in front of him. At this point in his career, Ziggy had returned to the Middle
“My 20 years of service went extremely fast. I served during the Cold War, Vietnam, and Gulf War. I learned what it meant to “take responsibility” and “be accountable”. Since 14 years old, I have had 5 jobs: Burger Chef, US Navy, Funeral Director, Hotel Night Audit, and Stonebridge Trucking. It is rare to spend a life working without moving from job-to-job, and I am proud of that.”Given Ziggy’s history of Honorable Service, he feels a connection to Stonebridge Trucking and its motto: American Veteran Owned -American Veteran Driven. “Part of our job is to be dedicated and responsible to our customers. This was no different than the dedication and responsibility I had to my Sailors and ship-mates while serving. I really enjoy working with the other operators at Stonebridge who also served and feeling a connection to those who have served can appreciate.”